Walking & Hiking

Cornices

Duration: 2,5 to 3,5 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Easy

Description:A fun excursion for the morning or afternoon. On arrival at the old road to Calama, the walk starts with a visit to some archeological sites and wonderful views of the volcanoes of the region. At a height of around 2,600m. /8580ft. descend via the huge dune to Death Valley an unforgettable experience!

Devils Canyon & Vilama

Duration: 2,5 to 3,5 hoursLevel of Difficulty: Medium

Description:A morning or afternoon excursion. Depart the hotel by vehicle and head to Devil’s Canyon to start the walk. The altitude here is approx 2,450m. /8,038ft. We walk on flattish ground for about an hour, on the dry river bed through formations of lime which are part of the Salt Mountain Range. We continue along an ancient caravan route, passing by petroglyphs which show the former commercial activity in the area and finish at the old settlement known as Vilama. Return to the hotel by vehicle.

Guatin / Gatchi

Description:Depart the hotel in a vehicle towards Guatin Valley (2,800m. /9,186ft). The confluence of two rivers takes place here; one coming from the warm thermal springs of Puritama, and the other is the Purifica River, whose waters are from the Andes Mountains. This unique mix of warm thermal spring water and cold clear mountain snowmelt gives rise to the new river which supports the unique ecosystem of the Guatin Canyon. We walk here, alongside waterfalls and rocky climbs whilst marvelling at the amazing Candelaria cactus.

Guatin / Puritama

Description:This excursion is better done in the morning because of the temperature changes. Starting at an altitude of 2,800m. /9,186ft. to the northeast of San Pedro, the walk is a steady uphill climb through the valley which is scattered with igneous rocks from the volcanic explosions of the past. We eventually arrive at the Puritama Thermal Springs, 8 pools of limpid warm water where there is a chance to bathe and relax before returning to the hotel by vehicle.

Machuca / Río Grande

Description:This walk takes place at around 4,000m. /13,200ft. and is a great way to acclimatize to the altitude for people who want to climb a volcano during their stay. The walk follows the river bed and on the way we can see llamas, alpacas and local birds. Stop for lunch in the abandoned mountain village of Peñaliri. Following this break, discover the deserted teraces of the gully and continue on to the village of Río Grande, where typical vegetables are grown. Return to the hotel by vehicle.

Ruta Purilaktis

Duration: 4 hrs walk 2 hrs by vehicleLevel of Difficulty: Easy

Description:Depart the hotel by vehicle along the road heading to Calama. We continue through the Domeyko Mountain Range to the starting point of our hike (3,000m. /9,840ft. approx). We start along a small gully and then the hike opens up to large rock formations marked by petroglyphs. Following dry river beds flanked by mountains we admire spectacular views from various viewpoints. After a gentle climb-descent, we will finish at the Matancilla Valley, also known as Rainbow Valley. We will have lunch here before returning to the hotel by vehicle